Multi-sprocket assembly and rear wheel assembly for a bicycle with a derailleur system

ABSTRACT

A multi-sprocket assembly for a rear wheel assembly for a bicycle with a derailleur system, comprising a multi-sprocket arrangement and a locking screw arrangement. The multi-sprocket arrangement is configured to be couplable to a driver of the rear wheel assembly in a torque-transmitting manner and comprises at least eleven sprockets with differing numbers of teeth. The multi-sprocket assembly is configured such that, in the mounted state, at least two of the smallest sprockets are axially fixed to the driver via the locking screw arrangement. The locking screw arrangement has a shaft portion for receiving at least one sprocket of the at least two smallest sprockets. The shaft portion has an axially outer stop portion at one end region and at least one external thread at an opposite end region. The at least one external thread configured to be screwed into an associated internal thread to fix the locking screw arrangement. The external thread of the shaft portion has an outer diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of a region of the shaft portion that receives the at least one sprocket of the at least two smallest sprockets.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to, and/or the benefit of, Germanpatent applications DE 10 2020 005 366.1, filed on Sep. 1, 2020, and DE10 2021 003 431.7 filed on Jul. 2, 2021, the contents of which areincluded by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a multi-sprocket assembly for abicycle with a derailleur system, which comprises a multi-sprocketarrangement and a locking screw arrangement. Furthermore, thisdisclosure relates to a rear wheel assembly for a bicycle with aderailleur system having a multi-sprocket assembly.

BACKGROUND

A rear wheel assembly for a bicycle with a derailleur system typicallycomprises a multi-sprocket arrangement which is coupled or can becoupled to the rear wheel hub via a driver. Sprockets of themulti-sprocket arrangement are connected to the driver in atorque-transmitting manner. A lock ring is conventionally used to fixthe sprockets against axial displacement. Such a lock ring has anexternal thread at one end region and a radially extending projection atan opposite end region. In the mounted state of the rear wheel assembly,the external thread of the lock ring engages in an internal thread ofthe driver such that the projection lies against an outer side surfaceof the smallest sprocket. The lock ring thereby fixes the sprockets ofthe multi-sprocket arrangement against axial displacement.

The driver is in a torque-transmitting engagement with the rear wheelhub via a freewheeling dutch and permits torque to be transmitted in theone direction of rotation (the driving direction), whereas the driver isrotationally decoupled in the other direction from the rear wheel hubvia a freewheeling mechanism. The rear wheel hub, in the mounted state,is connected to a rear wheel axle which is attached at its opposite endsto a respective dropout of a bicycle frame. The bicycle frame thusdefines an installation width between its two dropouts and the internaldistance therebetween for all components to be fastened to the rearwheel hub, such as a wheel, a driver, a multi-sprocket arrangement, ahub end cap and optionally farther components, for example, forattaching a rear derailleur.

In recent years, derailleur systems in which only a single sprocket isprovided in the region of the pedal crank have become more and morepopular. This development goes hand in hand with the increased use ofmotor-assisted bicycles. However, it was initiated by the idea ofeliminating a weight-intensive arrangement of a plurality of sprocketswith an associated front derailleur. This development has made itnecessary to provide a greater transmission ratio range by providing asufficiently large number of gears on the rear multi-sprocketarrangement (cassette). However, because of the limited and generallystandardized installation width, which is available for all componentsto be fastened to the rear wheel hub, and the predetermined width ofcommercially available chains, the increasing need for more gears andconsequently for more sprockets cannot be easily resolved by adding asmany sprockets as desired to the multi-sprocket arrangement. Theavailable construction space (installation width) is up against thewidth of conventional chains and the corresponding width of theindividual sprockets as a limiting factor. In order, nevertheless, toobtain an improved transmission ratio with a limited number ofsprockets, there is an effort to increase the transmission range betweenthe largest and the smallest sprocket. It is particularly important forthe user in professional cycling or in recreational cycling to haveavailable both as small a gear as possible (largest sprocket) and aslarge a gear as possible (smallest sprocket) in order, firstly, to beable to comfortably ride up steep slopes and, secondly, to achieve ahigh speed at the same pedalling frequency. The intermediate sprocketsof the multi-sprocket arrangement accordingly have to be coordinatedwith one another. Large transmission jumps between adjacent sprocketsare possible but should generally be avoided.

In conventional solutions, the geometry of the driver imposes limits onthe endeavour to provide small sprockets for as large a gear aspossible. The sprockets are conventionally fastened to the radial outercircumference of the driver, as a result of which a minimum innerdiameter (root circle) of the sprockets is already predetermined by theouter diameter of the driver. When using drivers widely available on themarket, the geometry of the driver means that it is still only possibleto attach a smallest sprocket with eleven teeth to the sprocketarrangement and, fixed against axial displacement by the lock ring.

There is nevertheless a need in cycling for very small sprockets, i.e.sprockets with ten or fewer teeth. In order to meet this demand, thereare approaches in the prior art to use a new driver which differs fromthe standard driver and, by suitable structural measures, permits theattachment of a sprocket with a number of teeth less than eleven.However, such special solutions are more costly in comparison tostandard solutions because of the lower manufacture numbers and, inaddition, are generally incompatible with already conventionalcomponents of a rear wheel assembly and the commercially availabledrivers. Furthermore, such special solutions can be difficult to placeon the market.

Such a driver designed especially for receiving smaller sprockets isknown from document EP 1 342 657 B1. The driver has a first tubularelement which can be fastened to the bicycle hub with a freewheelingmechanism. A second tubular element with a smaller diameter can becoupled to the axially outer end of the first tubular element. Thesecond tubular element has an outer diameter which is smaller than thatof the first tubular element and which enables a sprocket with ten teethto be fastened and radially supported thereon. In one embodiment, thereception and the radial support of three sprockets on the secondtubular element are shown. To axially fix the sprockets coupled to thedriver, a lock ring which is provided with an internal thread engages inan external thread of the second tubular element in such a manner thatthe lock ring lies against an outer side surface of the smallestsprocket.

A further possibility for using two sprockets with an inner diameterwhich is smaller than an outer diameter of the driver is shown inlaid-open application DE 10 2017 004 853 A1. The two sprockets with thesmaller diameter are connected to one another via a first connectingportion and via a further connecting portion to a smallest sprocketwhich is arranged on the driver. In one exemplary embodiment, the twosprockets with the smaller inner diameter are formed in aself-supporting manner. A locking element is provided which fixes thesprockets against axial displacement. The locking element comprises anexternal thread which can be brought into engagement with an internalthread of the driver, a shaft portion on which the two sprockets withthe smaller diameter are received, and a radially extending projection.The locking element is adapted to receiving sprockets which are smallerin diameter by the outer diameter of the shaft portion being larger thana nominal diameter of the external thread and the projection extendingradially outwards to an extent such that it lies against the smallestsprocket and can absorb axial forces exerted by it.

The disclosure is based on the object of providing a multi-sprocketassembly and a rear wheel assembly which provides an improvedtransmission ratio in a simple manner and can also be coupled to aconventional type of driver.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a multi-sprocket assembly for a rear wheelassembly for a bicycle with a derailleur system comprises amulti-sprocket arrangement and a locking screw arrangement. Themulti-sprocket arrangement is designed for torque-transmitting couplingwith a driver of the rear wheel assembly and comprises at least elevensprockets with differing numbers of teeth. The multi-sprocket assemblyis designed in such a manner that, in the mounted state of the driverwith the multi-sprocket assembly, at least two of the smallest sprocketsare axially fixed to the driver via the locking screw arrangement. Thelocking screw arrangement has a shaft portion for receiving at least oneof the at least two smallest sprockets. The shaft portion at its one endregion is provided with an axially outer stop portion. Furthermore, theshaft portion at its opposite end region is assigned at least oneexternal thread with which the locking screw arrangement is screwableinto an associated internal thread for fixing the locking screwarrangement. The solution according to this disclosure provides that theexternal thread assigned to the shaft portion has an outer diameterwhich is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion in thatregion in which the at least one of the at least two smallest sprocketsis received.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will be explained in more detail belowwith reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rear wheel assembly, arrangedbetween two frame portions, according to one embodiment and of a reargear shift mechanism arranged on one of the frame portions;

FIGS. 2a-b show a respective sectional view of a rear wheel assemblyaccording to one embodiment, which is fastened to a rear wheel hubattached between two frame portions;

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view through a rear wheel assembly fastened toa frame, the sectional view showing a detail of the multi-sprocketassembly from FIGS. 2a-b in enlarged form;

FIGS. 4a -b show the rear wheel assembly of FIG. 3 in a rear view (FIG.4a ) and a side view (FIG. 4b );

FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a locking screw arrangement of themulti-sprocket assembly of FIG. with sprockets arranged thereon;

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view through the locking screw arrangement ofthe multi-sprocket assembly of FIG. 3 with clarification of jointsaccording to one embodiment;

FIGS. 7a-e show sectional views through the multi-sprocket arrangementof FIG. 3 with respective clarification of joints;

FIGS. 8a-c show rear wheel assemblies in various perspectives, in whicha smallest sprocket of the multi-sprocket arrangement is in each case inengagement with a bicycle chain;

FIGS. 9a-c show sectional views of the multi-sprocket assembly with alocking screw arrangement according to a further embodiment;

FIGS. 10a-b show a sectional view (FIG. 10a ) and a side view (FIG. 10b) of a multi-sprocket assembly with a locking screw arrangementaccording to a further embodiment;

FIGS. 11a-b and 12a-b show sectional views of a rear wheel assembly in astate in which the multi-sprocket assembly and the driver are arrangedon each other, but are not coupled to each other;

FIGS. 13a-d, 14a-d , and 15 show a first component and a secondcomponent of a two-part locking screw arrangement of a multi-sprocketassembly according to a further embodiment;

FIGS. 16a-b show a cross-sectional view (FIG. 16a ) and a side view(FIG. 16b ) of a tool in engagement with the second component of thetwo-part locking screw arrangement of the mufti-sprocket assemblyaccording to the embodiment that is illustrated in FIGS. 13-15

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a tool in engagement with thetwo-part locking screw arrangement of the multi-sprocket assemblyaccording to the embodiment that is illustrated in FIGS. 13-15;

FIGS. 18a-c ; show the driver in a cross-sectional view (FIG. 18a ), ina front view (FIG. 18b ) and in a perspective view (FIG. 18c );

FIGS. 19a-b show views according to a further embodiment with asegmented locking screw arrangement and sprocket;

FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of the locking screw arrangement witha segmented thread and sprocket; and

FIGS. 21a-b show views according to a further embodiment with a deformedlocking screw arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One solution according to this disclosure provides that at least two ofthe smallest sprockets, i.e. at least two of the sprockets with thesmallest numbers of teeth, to be axially fixed or fixable to theremaining sprockets of the multi-sprocket arrangement by a locking screwarrangement. As a result, the multi-sprocket arrangement can comprisemore sprockets in comparison to a conventional fastening of thesprockets to an outer circumferential surface of the driver.Furthermore, this solution provides a possibility of overcoming thelimiting of the inner diameter of the smallest sprockets, which iscaused by the outer circumference of the driver, at least for the atleast one sprocket which is received on the shaft portion of the lockingscrew arrangement. In this connection, it is provided that the shaftportion has a smaller outer diameter than the outer diameter of thedriver. To fix the locking screw arrangement to a driver or amulti-sprocket arrangement, use is made of the external thread which isassigned to the shaft portion and can engage in an internal thread ofthe driver and is preferably designed as a ring element. The externalthread assigned to the shaft portion thus serves as a link between theshaft portion and the internal thread of the driver. Consequently, theinternal thread of the driver can be used to fix the locking screwarrangement to the driver. This solution thus enables a greatertransmission ratio of the derailleur system to be achieved.

In one aspect of the disclosure, at least one of the at least twosmallest sprockets which is received on the shaft portion can be formedin a self-supporting manner. That is to say, there could be a radialdistance between the shaft portion and the at least one sprocketreceived thereon or all the sprockets received thereon.

When a smallest sprocket is mentioned in this application, this refersto the sprocket which has the smallest number of teeth. If a pluralityof smallest sprockets is discussed, the adjacent sprockets with thesmallest numbers of teeth are thus meant. In one embodiment, a smallestsprocket has, for example, ten teeth. However, smallest sprockets withnine or eight teeth are also possible. The smaller the number of teeth,the greater the transmission ratio of the derailleur system can be whichcan be achieved with the multi-sprocket arrangement with an unchangedlargest sprocket. The minimum number of teeth is limited by the minimumpossible inner diameter of the smallest sprocket in conjunction with thebicycle chain which is used. The multi-sprocket assembly can comprise amulti-sprocket arrangement with twelve sprockets or even thirteensprockets or more. The largest sprocket can have at least 58, inparticular 50, 51 or 52 teeth.

The axially outer stop portion can be configured to absorb forces whichact axially outwards on the locking screw arrangement. The directionaxially outwards is defined as starting from a bicycle center plane,which runs orthogonally to the axis of rotation of the multi-sprocketarrangement and through a center point between two opposite framedropouts of a bicycle frame, to the frame dropout which is closer to themulti-sprocket arrangement. The direction axially inwards is opposed tothe direction axially outwards. A direction radially outwards runsorthogonally to an axis of rotation of the multi-sprocket arrangementand away from the axis of rotation. The direction radially inwards isopposed to the direction radially outwards.

The internal thread, in which the external thread assigned to the shaftportion can engage for fixing the locking screw arrangement, can bearranged on the driver. In an alternative embodiment, this internalthread can be arranged on a radially inner region of the multi-sprocketarrangement. The intermeshing threads are configured in such a mannerthat there can be a sufficient overlap to transfer the forces that occurduring operation.

According to an embodiment, at least one sprocket together with aconnecting portion assigned to the sprocket is received on the shaftportion. According to an alternative embodiment, two sprockets with aconnecting portion connecting the two sprockets can be received on theshaft portion. For this purpose, a length from an inner side surface ofthe external thread assigned to the shaft portion to an inner sidesurface of the axially outer stop portion can be between 3.2 mm and 5.0mm. The connecting portion can be a flange portion or a retaining pin.The connecting portion can be made integral with or attached to theadjacent sprockets.

In general, the axial length of the locking screw arrangement can besmaller than a distance between four or three adjacent sprockets, asmeasured from an inner side surface of the largest of the four or threesprockets and an outer side surface of the smallest of the four or threesprockets.

According to an embodiment, an outer diameter of the axially outer stopportion is smaller than, equal to or larger than an outer diameter ofthe external thread assigned to the shaft portion. It goes withoutsaying that a smaller design of the stop portion saves more space butshould nevertheless be formed with sufficient stability so as to absorbaxial forces occurring during operation. In addition, the outer diameterof the axially outer stop portion can be larger than the outer diameterof the shaft portion. This creates an undercut on the outercircumference of the locking screw arrangement. In connection with thepresent disclosure, an undercut is understood as meaning that there is aregion, the outer circumferential surface of which is bounded by twoaxial stops with a larger diameter. The formation of an undercut makesit possible to simultaneously provide, for the locking screwarrangement, an external thread of a sufficiently large size, a shaftregion with a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the driver,and axial fixation of sprockets received on the shaft portion in a veryspace-saving design.

According to an embodiment, the external thread assigned to the shaftportion is formed integrally on the shaft portion or manufacturedintegrally therewith. The axially outer stop portion can likewise beformed integrally on the shaft portion or can be manufactured integrallytherewith. At least one of the external thread and the stop portion canbe integrally formed during the installation of the multi-sprocketassembly after the at least one of the at least two smallest sprocketshas been received in or on the shaft region. The integral formation cantake place by means of laser welding, friction welding, soldering,adhesive bonding, pressing, pinning or/and folding. The locking screwarrangement can therefore have at least one joint which is formed, forexample, by the above integral forming method. The joint can runorthogonally or parallel to the axis of rotation of the multi-sprocketarrangement. Alternatively, an additive manufacturing method, forexample a 3D printing method, is possible.

Alternatively, the axially outer stop portion and/or the external threadassigned to the shaft portion can be produced integrally with the shaftportion and deformed. The deforming increases the diameter of theaxially outer stop portion and/or of the external thread relative to theshaft portion. The deformed external thread assigned to the shaftportion and/or the axially outer stop portion have an outer diameterwhich is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion in theregion in which the at least two smallest sprockets are received.

For this purpose, in a first step, the axially outer stop portion isproduced integrally with the shaft portion and with the same outerdiameter. In a second step, the axially outer stop portion and/or thethreaded portion is deformed such that the outer diameter thereof isincreased, and its the axial length reduced at the same time. Thematerial that is to he deformed is pushed out of the axial directioninto the radial direction. The deforming can take place, for example, bymeans of crimping. The external thread assigned to the shaft portion canalso be produced cost-effectively in this manner. After deforming, theenlarged outer diameter of the external thread assigned to the shaftportion only needs to be provided with an external thread in a thirdstep. During the production of the axially outer stop portion and/or ofthe external thread assigned to the shaft portion, the at least twosmallest sprockets are pushed onto the shaft portion before thedeformation. After the reshaping or deformation, the at least twosmallest sprockets are fixed on the shaft portion in the axial directionby the enlarged outer diameter of the axially outer stop portion and/orof the external thread assigned to the shaft portion. It is advantageousin this embodiment that neither additional parts nor joints arerequired.

In a further alternative refinement, the axially outer stop portion canbe formed by a plurality of snap hooks which are distributed over theouter circumference of the locking screw arrangement, wherein the shaftportion or/and the snap hooks has/have such an elasticity that asprocket or an arrangement of a plurality of sprockets with an innerdiameter smaller than the outer diameter of the snap hooks can be pushedover the snap hooks such that the sprocket or arrangement of a pluralityof sprockets is received in the region of the shaft portion. When snaphooks are used, the locking screw arrangement can already be integrallyformed before the installation of the multi-sprocket assembly. Thissimplifies the method of installing the multi-sprocket assembly.

In a further alternative embodiment, the axially outer stop portion isdetachable from the shaft portion and is designed in the form of asecuring element which can be connected to the shaft portion, forexample engages in a groove formed in the end region of the shaftportion. The securing element can be a ring element, for example a snapring. During the installation of the multi-sprocket assembly, allsprockets of the multi-sprocket arrangement can first be received in theregion of the shaft portion and then the securing element can beinserted into the groove in order to axially fix the multi-sprocketarrangement.

Alternatively, the larger diameter threaded portion and/or stop portionof the locking screw arrangement can be designed in a segmented manner.The segmented design of the locking screw arrangement and at least thesmallest sprocket permits a bayonet-like connection between the smallestsprockets and the locking screw arrangement. The two parts are connectedto each other by plugging one inside the other and rotating with respectto each other.

A combination of the abovementioned configurations of the axially outerstop portion and of the external thread assigned to the shaft portion isalso conceivable, for example the one axial end of the locking screwarrangement could be produced by an integral forming method and theother axial end by deformation. It is equally possible for theembodiments already mentioned to be combined with the followingembodiments, such as, for example, with the two-part locking screwarrangements. However, in all combinations the outer diameter of theexternal thread assigned to the shaft portion should be larger than theouter diameter of the shaft portion in that region in which the at leastone of the at least two smallest sprockets is received.

A further embodiment relates to a two-part locking screw arrangementwhich comprises a first component and a second component. The twocomponents can be detachable from one another. In one embodiment, theexternal thread assigned to the shaft portion can be detachable from theshaft portion. Possible connecting means include screw connections,plug-in connections, latching mechanisms and other releasable ordetachable connection means.

In an embodiment, the first component can have a first tool interfaceand the second component a second tool interface. The tool interfacescan be arranged radially inward on an inner circumferential surface ofthe first or second component. The two tool interfaces can be identicalor differ from one another in order to enable the same or two differenttools to engage. In this way, both components can be handledindependently of one another by means of the corresponding tool. Forexample, during the installation, one of the components can be connectedto the driver and then the two components can be connected.Alternatively, the two components can first be connected to one anotherand then both components can be connected together to the driver. Itgoes without saying that the removal of the components from the drivercan take place simultaneously. The tool interfaces advantageously allowa destruction-free installation or removal of the two components on orfrom the driver in a state in which the non-self-supporting sprockets ofthe multi-sprocket arrangement are coupled to the driver.

The external thread assigned to the shaft portion can be incorporated bythe first component, and the axially outer stop portion can beincorporated by the second component. The first and the second componentare, for example, screwable to each other. This two-part locking screwarrangement simplifies the installation of the multi-sprocket assemblysince it permits the two components to be connected using a simplemechanical tool.

For example, a cassette tool known from the prior art with an outerdiameter larger than 22 mm can engage in the tool interface of thetwo-part or single-part locking screw arrangement in atorque-transmitting manner.

More precisely, the first component can have a first connecting threadwhich is configured to engage in a complementary second connectingthread of the second component. The connecting threads can be arrangedat different positions, for example between the shaft portion and theexternal thread assigned to it, or in the region of the shaft portion,or between the shaft portion and the stop portion. The connecting threadof the first component can be an external thread and the complementaryconnecting thread of the second component can be an internal thread.Alternatively, the first connecting thread of the first component can bean internal thread and the complementary second connecting thread of thesecond component can be an external thread.

Regardless of whether the locking screw arrangement is formed integrallyor in two parts, it is designed to engage in an internal thread by anexternal thread assigned to the shaft portion. The internal thread canbe arranged on the driver, on the outer circumferential surface of whichsprockets of the multi-sprocket arrangement are arranged. When thelocking screw arrangement engages in or is screwed into the driver, theat least one sprocket received on the locking screw arrangement has anydesired angular position relative to sprockets arranged on the outercircumferential surface of the multi-sprocket arrangement. Particularlyin the case of high-priced bicycle gears, however, a predeterminedangular positioning of the tooth formations on the sprockets to eachother in the assembled state is desirable in order to ensure gear shiftoperations of the bicycle chain between the individual sprockets in asmooth-running manner and so as to be scarcely noticeable by thecyclist, and, consequently, as continuous a transmission of torque aspossible.

In general, threaded connections do not allow an exact angularpositioning of the screwed-together elements to one another, especiallynot in the case of products manufactured in large numbers. In addition,in bicycle technology, the components are sometimes released from oneanother for maintenance or for repair purposes, which furthercomplicates an exact angular repositioning of the individual threadedconnections with respect to one another after they have beenreassembled. In the case of the threaded connection of the locking screwarrangement to the driver, it is therefore provided, according to anembodiment that the angular position of the smallest sprocket or of thetwo smallest sprockets received on the shaft portion is adjustableindependently of the threaded position. This means that the smallest orthe two smallest sprockets can be rotatable relative to the shaftportion of the locking screw arrangement. For example, the angularposition of the smallest sprocket, preferably of the at least twosmallest sprockets, relative to sprockets coupled directly to the drivercan be secured by suitable securing means before, during or after thescrewing of the locking screw arrangement into the driver. The securingmeans can, for example, couple the sprockets received by the lockingscrew arrangement in a rotationally fixed manner with further sprocketsof the multi-sprocket assembly. For example, the smallest sprocket,which is coupled to the driver and the adjacent, next smallest sprocketreceived by the locking screw arrangement can each have a collar withteeth and notches which can intermesh and can secure a desired angularposition of the sprockets with respect to one another.

In order to ensure the relative movement of the at least one sprocketreceived on the shaft portion, in one embodiment, the outer diameter ofthe external thread assigned to the shaft portion is larger than aninner diameter of the smallest sprocket of the multi-sprocketarrangement. The shaft portion can be configured to receive one or twosprockets which have an inner diameter of 27.0 mm to 28.2 mm, preferablyof 27.2 +/−0.2 mm. Alternatively, the shaft portion can be configured toreceive a sprocket which has an inner diameter of approximately 24 mm.Furthermore, the shaft portion can comprise a step, and therefore theshaft portion is suitable for receiving two sprockets which have theindicated larger or smaller inner diameter. Sprockets with the indicatedinner diameters are suitable for having ten or nine teeth at a distancesuitable for engaging in the bicycle chain.

In the mounted state, the two smallest sprockets of the multi-sprocketarrangement can be integrally connected to one another. This defines theangular positioning of the two smallest sprockets with respect to eachother. The integral connection can be made by forming the two smallestsprockets in one piece or by integrally forming the sprockets on eachother, for which purpose the integral forming methods discussed abovecan be used. Alternatively, an additive manufacturing method, forexample a 3D printing method, is possible. The connecting portion ispreferably arranged between the sprockets. Joints that arise during theintegral forming can run parallel or orthogonally to the axis ofrotation of the multi-sprocket arrangement and can be arranged adjacentto the connecting portion connecting the two sprockets. In oneembodiment, the three smallest sprockets of the multi-sprocketarrangement can also be connected integrally to one another in themounted state. Joints can be provided in the region of the shaftportion, between the shaft portion and the associated external threador/and between the shaft portion and the axially outer stop portion.

In an alternative embodiment of the multi-sprocket arrangement, the twoor three smallest sprockets of the multi-sprocket arrangement can bedetachably connected to one another and can have intermeshing teeth andassociated notches. In a state in which the teeth are in engagement withthe associated notches, the sprockets are connected to one another in arotationally fixed manner. The sprockets which are detachably connectedto one another are fixed axially, for example, by the locking screwarrangement being connected to the driver in the mounted state.

In order to install the locking screw arrangement on, for example, adriver, the locking screw arrangement can have a radially inner toolinterface which permits a torque-transmitting engagement of a tool. Aninner diameter of the tool interface can be between 22.6 mm and 23.6 mm,preferably 21.6 +0.4/−0.6 mm.

In order to provide the multi-sprocket assembly having a small axiallength, the smallest sprocket of the multi-sprocket arrangement canhave, on its axially outer end side, a radial and axial recess which isdesigned in such a manner that the axially outer stop portion can engagetherein. If, in the mounted state of the multi-sprocket assembly, theaxially outer stop portion and the radial and axial recess are inengagement with each other, the outer side surface of the smallestsprocket can lie axially further on the outside than an end side of theaxially outer stop portion. Alternatively, the outer side surface of thesmallest sprocket can be aligned with the end side of the axially outerstop portion. According to a further alternative, the axially outer stopportion can protrude axially outwards from the outer side surface of thesmallest sprocket by less than a maximum of 0.5 mm, preferably less than0.2 mm, it goes without saying that the statements above are equallyapplicable to all the embodiments of the axially outer stop portion.

In one embodiment, an intermediate element, for example a sheet-metalring or a plastic ring, can be inserted in the region of the recessbetween the smallest sprocket and the locking screw arrangement in orderto reduce the friction occurring at contact points. In a furtherembodiment, the locking screw arrangement can be formed as one piece andcan be provided as a 3D printed component with the at least one sprocketreceived on the shaft portion. The locking screw arrangement can therebybe produced integrally and the sprockets can be printed radially outsidethe locking screw arrangement in such a manner that they are received inthe region of the shaft portion. That is to say, the locking screwarrangement and the sprockets received thereon can be producedintegrally. It goes without saying that further sprockets of themulti-sprocket arrangement can also be produced as a 3D printedcomponent.

According to a further aspect, a rear wheel assembly for a bicycle witha derailleur system comprises a rear wheel hub which can be arrangedbetween two opposite frame portions of a bicycle frame, a driver whichis coupled rotatably to the rear wheel hub, and a multi-sprocketassembly which is designed according with the foregoing. Themulti-sprocket arrangement of the multi-sprocket assembly isnon-rotatably coupled or couplable to the driver.

The driver to which the multi-sprocket assembly is coupled or can becoupled can be a standard driver known in the art and is sold on themarket under the name Hyperglide® driver or HG driver for short. Themulti-sprocket assembly can therefore be used together with aconventional type of driver, which is cheap and quickly available due toits large production numbers and its widespread use.

Possible configurations of the driver are set forth below. The drivercan have, on a first driver region of its radial outer surface, a driverprofile which is arranged axially outwards from the driver stop along afirst axial driver length. The first axial driver length can be smallerthan a second axial driver length which extends from the driver stop asfar as the axially outer end side of the driver. The driver can be freefrom driver profiles on a second driver region of its radial outersurface, the driver region being adjacent to the axially outer end sideof the driver. Furthermore, the driver can have an opening which extendsradially outwards from a central axis of the driver and axially inwardfrom the axially outer end side of the driver, wherein the opening canhave the internal thread on its radial inner surface.

Characteristic dimensions of the driver can be as follows. The firstaxial driver length of the driver from the driver stop as far as the endof the driver profiles can be greater than 32.9 mm and is preferably33.2 +/−0.4 mm. The second axial driver length of the driver from thedriver stop as far as the axially outer end side of the driver can begreater than 34.2 mm and is preferably 34.9 +/−0.3 min. A first driverouter diameter of the driver in the first driver region along the firstaxial driver length of the driver can be greater than 34.2 mm and ispreferably 34.5 +/−0.2 mm. A second driver outer diameter of the driverin the second driver region which is adjacent to the axially outer endside of the driver can be greater than 31.4 mm and is preferably 32.1+0.4/−0.2 mm. A first driver nominal diameter of the driver axiallyadjacent to its axially outer end side can be greater than 29.8 mm andis preferably 30.6 +/−0.2 mm.

Furthermore, the multi-sprocket assembly can be designed in such amanner that, in the mounted state, a first distance in the axialdirection from the driver stop as far as the outer side surface of thesmallest sprocket is greater than 38.0 mm, preferably greater than 39.1mm, even more preferably 39.9 +/−0.2 mm. Additionally or alternatively,a second distance in the axial direction from the axially outer end sideof the driver to an outer side surface of the smallest sprocket can begreater than 4.0 mm and is preferably 5.0 +/−0.2 mm.

With the locking screw arrangement according to the disclosure, theinstallation width available for the installation of the multi-sprocketassembly can be particularly advantageously used in conjunction with theuse of a multi-sprocket arrangement having as large a number of teeth aspossible. This advantageous use of space is reflected in the first andsecond space utilization factors defined below, which relate thedimensions of the driver to those dimensions that result from thelocking screw arrangement attached to the driver and the at least onesprocket held on it. The available installation width for all thecomponents to be attached to the rear wheel hub is at least 142 mm. Theinstallation width is the distance from an outer side of a left hub endcap adjacent to the frame portion to an outer side of the right hub endcap adjacent to the frame portion.

The first space utilization factor, which is results from the ratio ofthe second driver length and the second distance, can be in a range ofbetween 5 and 10. The second space utilization factor, which is resultsfrom the ratio of the first driver length and the second distance, canhe in a range of between 5 and 10.

The disclosure also relates to a method for assembling a rear wheelassembly. Such a method for the assembling of a rear wheel assembly maycomprise the following steps: the step of connecting at least twosprockets with the smallest numbers of teeth of a multi-sprocketarrangement to one another, the step of connecting the at least twoconnected sprockets with a locking screw arrangement such that the atleast two sprockets are mounted rotatably about a center axis of thelocking screw arrangement, the step of fastening the locking screwarrangement to a driver by an external thread of the locking screwarrangement engaging in an internal thread of the driver, the step ofaligning the two connected sprockets in relation to sprockets withgreater numbers of teeth which are connected to a driver, and the stepof fixing the two aligned and connected sprockets by fastening means toa sprocket connected to the driver.

All of the features of the multi-sprocket assembly and of the rear wheelassembly of the above-explained aspects of the disclosure andembodiments can be combined with one another.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rear wheel assembly 3 arrangedbetween two frame portions 1, 2 and a rear gear shift mechanism 4arranged on one of the frame portions 1 in engagement with a bicyclechain 5. A b-knuckle 6 for fixing the rear gear shift mechanism 4engages around a frame dropout 8 of the frame portion 1 and is fixed onthe frame dropout by a plug-in axle 7 which is received in said framedropout 6 and a frame dropout of the other frame portion 2. A p-knuckle9 is attached pivotably to the b-knuckle 6, wherein pivoting of thep-knuckle 9 changes at least the axial position thereof in relation tothe b-knuckle 6.

The rear wheel assembly 3 comprises a multi-sprocket assembly 10, whichin turn comprises a multi-sprocket arrangement 12 and a locking screwarrangement 14. For the sake of clarity, the sprockets of themulti-sprocket arrangement 1.2 are merely illustrated schematically inFIG. 1 by making the respective outer circumferences of the sprocketsclear In the illustration of FIG. 1, the bicycle chain 5 which is drivenby a front driving sprocket (not illustrated) is in engagement with asprocket of the multi-sprocket arrangement 12 and with two chain pulleys15 of the rear gear shift mechanism 4. It goes without saying thatpivoting of the rear gear shift mechanism 4, in particular the p-knuckle9, changes the position of t:he bicycle chain 5 in relation to thesprockets, and therefore the bicycle chain 5 can engage in an adjacentnext or next but one sprocket.

FIGS. 2a-b show the multi-sprocket assembly 10 which comprises themulti-sprocket arrangement 12 and the locking screw arrangement 14. Themulti-sprocket assembly 10 is connected to a driver 16 and forms therear wheel assembly 3 therewith. The rear wheel assembly 3 is arrangedon a rear wheel hub 11 which runs between the two opposite frameportions 1, 2 and is fastened or fastenable to the frame portions 1, 2by a rear wheel axle 19. A derailleur hanger 22 which serves for theinstallation of the rear gear shift mechanism 4 and through which therear wheel hub 11 runs is arranged between the frame portion 1 and therear wheel assembly 3.

The multi-sprocket arrangement 12 is illustrated with twelve sprocketsR1-R12. FIG. 2a shows a multi-sprocket arrangement 12 in which the fourlargest sprockets R1-R4 are connected to a spider 13, and therefore thetorque is transmitted to the driver 16 via the spider 13. In thisspace-saving embodiment, the four largest sprockets are spaced apartradially from the driver 16. The six middle sprockets R4-R9 are in eachcase spaced apart axially from one another with spacers 17 and engagedirectly in a torque-transmitting manner with the driver 16. The twosmallest sprockets R11, R12 are connected to the locking screwarrangement 14 in a torque-transmitting manner via the third smallestsprocket R10.

FIG. 2b shows an alternative multi-sprocket arrangement 12 in which thesprockets are connected to one another by pins 19. Only the largestsprocket R1 is connected to the driver 16 in a torque-transmittingmanner, i.e. reaches radially as far as the driver 16. The remainingsprockets R2-R12 are spaced apart radially from the driver 16. The threesmallest sprockets are formed integrally, for example are welded, andare connected to the driver 16 in a torque-transmitting manner via thethird smallest sprocket R10, and are fixed axially via the locking screwarrangement 14.

FIGS. 2a-b also show the installation width D0 which is available forthe components to be fastened to the rear wheel hub 11 and is at least142 mm. The installation width is the distance from an outer side,adjacent to the frame portion 2, of a left hub end cap 23 to an outerside, adjacent to the frame portion 1, of the right hub end cap 25.

In the two alternative embodiments of the multi-sprocket arrangement,the third smallest sprocket R10 is arranged on an outer circumferentialsurface 24 of the driver 16 and is supported radially on the driver 16.In addition, the third smallest sprocket R10 engages in a driver profile26 arranged on the outer circumferential surface 24 of the driver 16, asa result of which the third smallest sprocket R10 is non-rotatablycoupled to the driver 16. The two smallest sprockets R11, R12 are atleast partially arranged axially outside the driver 16 and adjacent tothe third smallest sprocket R10. An enlarged view of the three smallestsprockets R10-R12 which are attached to the driver 16 and are fixedaxially by the locking screw arrangement 14 is illustrated in FIG. 3.

Axial direction details used in this application relate to the bicyclecenter plane 30 and to the frame portions 1, 2, as is apparent in FIG.4a . A direction axially inwards is defined as the direction from one ofthe frame portions 1, 2 towards the bicycle center plane 30, whereas adirection axially outwards A_(a) is defined as the direction from thebicycle center plane towards the frame portion 1. The axial directionsR_(j) and R_(a) are consequently opposed to each other. If, by contrast,a direction radially outwards R_(a) is mentioned, this is a directionwhich runs orthogonally to an axis of rotation 32 of the multi-sprocketarrangement 12 and points away from the latter. A direction radiallyinwards R_(i) is opposed to the direction radially outwards R_(a) and isa direction towards the axis of rotation 32 of the multi-sprocketarrangement 12. The axis of rotation 32 of the multi-sprocketarrangement 3 runs parallel to the rear wheel hub and coincides with anaxis of rotation or longitudinal axis of the rear wheel huh. Thediscussed direction details are illustrated in FIG. 3.

The rear wheel assembly 3 which is illustrated in FIG. 3 and is arrangedon the frame portion 1 is illustrated as a rear view in FIG. 4a and as aside view in FIG. 4b . As can best be seen in FIG. 4b , the rear wheelassembly 3 is attached to a frame dropout 8 of the frame portion 1 ofthe bicycle frame.

The driver 16 has, on its axially outer side in the mounted state, anopening in which an internal thread 34 is arranged. The locking screwarrangement 14 can engage in the internal thread 34.

A detailed view of the locking screw arrangement 1.4 according to oneembodiment with at least two smallest sprockets R11, R12 receivedthereon is illustrated in FIG. 5. The at least two smallest sprocketsR11, R12 are received on a shaft portion 36. The shaft portion 36 isprovided on its one end region with an axially outer stop portion 38. Anexternal thread 40 assigned to the shaft portion is arranged on theopposite end region of the shaft portion 36. The external thread 40 ofthe locking screw arrangement can engage in the internal thread 34 ofthe driver 16. The external thread 40 then serves as adiameter-imparting ring element between the driver 16 and the shaftportion 36. In the mounted state of the rear wheel assembly 3, theexternal thread 40 is therefore arranged axially within the internalthread 34 of the driver 16 and adjacent to the shaft portion 36 of thelocking screw arrangement 14. The outer diameter d1 of the stop portion38 and the outer diameter d2 of the external thread 40 are larger thanan outer diameter d3 of the shaft portion 36 in the region which isprovided for receiving the at least one of the at least two smallestsprockets R11, R12. This results in a locking screw arrangement 14 withan undercut.

The outer diameter d2 of the external thread 40 assigned to the shaftportion can be between 30.1 mm and 30.6 mm, preferably 30.5 +/−0.2 mm.The outer diameter d3 of the shaft portion 36 in the region in which theat least one of the at least two smallest sprockets R11, R12 is receivedcan be between 26.0 mm and 27.5 mm, preferably 26.8 +/−0.2 mm or,alternatively, approximately 24 mm. In an embodiment which is notillustrated, the shaft portion can comprise a step, and therefore theshaft portion has a respective region with the indicated alternativeinner diameters.

The undercut between an inner side surface 42 of the external thread 40assigned to the shaft portion and an inner side surface 44 of the stopportion 38 has an axial length L1 between 3.2 mm and 5.0 mm. An axiallength L2 of the locking screw arrangement 14 is, for example, between7.5 mm and 10.3 mm, preferably 9.0 +/−0.2 mm. In order to ensure thatthere is sufficient axial pretensioning on the multi-sprocketarrangement in order to transmit loads, an axial length L3 of theexternal thread 40 assigned to the shaft portion can be between 2.5 mmand 3.5 mm, preferably 3.0 +/−0.2 mm.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the shaft portion 36receives the two smallest sprockets R11, R12 of the multi-sprocketarrangement 12. The at least two smallest sprockets R11, R12 are formedin a radially self-supporting manner, i.e. there is a distance betweenthe shaft portion 36 and the two smallest sprockets R11, R12 in theradial direction. The radially self-supporting design of the at leasttwo smallest sprockets R11, R12 is achieved by said sprockets beingconnected to one another and to an adjacent larger sprocket R10, forexample by a joining method or by a latching mechanism. For example, thesmallest sprocket R10 which is coupled to the driver and the adjacent,next smaller sprocket R11 received on the locking screw arrangement ineach case have a collar with teeth and notches which can intermesh anddefine a desired angular position of the sprockets with respect to oneanother.

The smallest sprocket R12 lies with an axially outer region against thestop portion 38 such that, in the mounted state of the rear wheelassembly 3, the multi-sprocket arrangement 12 is fixed axially. For aparticularly space-saving embodiment, the smallest sprocket R12 has arecess 41 radially inwards and axially outwards, in which the stopportion 38 engages. The engagement can be, for example, in such a mannerthat the stop portion 38 is at least partially received in the recess41, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In an alternative embodiment, an outerside surface 46 of the smallest sprocket R12 can coincide with an endsurface 48 of the stop portion 38.

For the installation of the rear wheel assembly 3, the locking screwarrangement 14 is screwed with its external thread 40 into the internalthread 34 of the driver 16. The rotary force necessary for this purposecan be transmitted to the locking screw arrangement 14 with the aid of atool. For this purpose, the locking screw arrangement 14 has a toolinterface 50 on an inner circumferential surface, in which the tool canengage in a torque-transmitting manner,

The inner circumferential surface of the locking screw arrangement 14can determine an inner diameter d4 of the shaft portion 36, which innerdiameter is between 23.8 mm and 25.0 mm, preferably 24.0 +/−0.2 mm. Theinner diameter d5 of the smallest sprocket R12 received on the lockingscrew arrangement 14 is larger than the outer diameter d3 of the shaftportion 36, and therefore the locking screw arrangement 14 can rotaterelative to the sprockets received thereon.

In order to receive at least one of the two smallest sprockets R11, R12in the region of the undercut of the locking screw arrangement 14, thelatter, according to one embodiment, is provided with joints. Possiblejoints 52, 54, 56 of the locking screw arrangement 14 are illustrated inFIG. 6. The joints are located between the shaft portion 36 and theaxially outer stop portion 38, in the region between the shaft portion56 and the associated external thread 40, or/and in the region of theshaft portion 36. The locking screw arrangement 14 has at least one ofthe joints 52, 54, 56. During the installation of the multi-sprocketassembly 10, the sprockets R11, R12 can be received in the region of theshaft portion 38 before the locking screw arrangement 14 is joined at atleast one of the joints 52, 54, 56.

In one embodiment, the sprockets R10, R11, R12 can be connected to oneanother by joints 58. FIGS. 7a-e show possible joints 58 between thethree smallest sprockets R10, R11, R12. The joints 58 are locatedadjacent to a connecting portion 60 which is arranged between twoadjacent sprockets and defines the distance therebetween. For example,the smallest sprocket R12 is joined at a connecting portion 60 betweenthe smallest and the second smallest sprocket R12, R11, see FIG. 7a .Alternatively, the second smallest sprocket R11 can be formed integrallywith two opposite connecting portions 60, and the smallest sprocket R12can be joined to one of the connecting portions 60, see FIG. 7c .Alternatively, the smallest sprocket R12 can be formed integrally with aconnecting portion 60 and the second smallest sprocket R11 can be joinedat the connecting portion 60 of the smallest sprocket R12, see FIG. 7d .As is apparent in FIG. 7e , the joint 58 can run parallel ororthogonally to the axis of rotation 32 of the multi-sprocketarrangement 12. As is apparent in FIG. 7c , the joint 58 can have anaxial offset.

FIGS. 8a-c each show the smallest sprocket R12 that is received on thelocking screw arrangement 14 in engagement with a bicycle chain 5. Thebicycle chain 5 is driven via a front chain ring, not illustrated, andcan cause the multi-sprocket arrangement 12 to rotate about the axis ofrotation 32 thereof. The torque which is transmitted to the smallestsprocket R12 by the bicycle chain 5 is transmitted from the smallestsprocket R12 to at least one larger sprocket R10 which is connected in atorque-transmitting manner to the driver 16. The connecting portions 60,64 arranged between the sprockets also contribute to the transmission oftorque between the sprockets R10, R11, R12. Latching mechanisms, such asintermeshing teeth and notches, can be provided in the region of theconnecting portions 60, 64 for the transmission of torque.

FIGS. 9a-c show an alternative embodiment of the locking screwarrangement 14, in which the axially outer stop portion 38 is formed bya plurality of snap hooks 66. The snap hooks 66 are distributed over theouter circumference of the locking screw arrangement 14 and spaced apartfrom one another. This embodiment permits an integral design of thelocking screw arrangement 14. Joints can therefore be dispensed with.For this purpose, the snap hooks 66 and optionally the shaft portion 36have such an elasticity that the locking screw arrangement 14 can bepushed in the direction 68 indicated in FIG. 9a into the sprockets to bereceived until the recess 41 of the smallest sprocket R12 enters intoengagement with the snap hooks 66, as illustrated in FIG. 9c. In theembodiment illustrated, the recess 41 is enlarged by a radially inwardlyprotruding protrusion 69 on the smallest sprocket R12.

FIGS. 10a-b show an alternative embodiment of the locking screwarrangement 14, in which the axially outer stop portion 38 is formed bya securing element 68, for example in the form of a ring element. Thesecuring element 68 engages both in the recess 41 of the smallestsprocket R12 and in a groove 70 furred in the end region of the shaftportion 36. The securing element 68 thereby produces an axial fixing ofthe sprockets received on the shaft portion. During the installation ofthe multi-sprocket assembly 10, the locking screw arrangement is pushedin the direction of the arrow 72 into the sprockets R12, R11 to bereceived until the sprockets are arranged in the region of the shaftportion. The securing element 68 is then brought into engagement withthe recess 41 and the groove 70.

FIGS. 11a-b and 12a-b each show a sectional view of the rear wheelassembly 3 in a state in which the multi-sprocket assembly 10 and thedriver 16 are arranged on each other, but are not coupled to each other.In the embodiment of the multi-sprocket arrangement 12 as is shown inFIGS. 11a-b , two smallest sprockets R11, R12 are connected to eachother and are rotatable relative to the locking screw arrangement. Adesired angular positioning of the sprockets R11, R12 received on theshaft portion relative to a further sprocket R10, which is non-rotatablycoupled to the driver 16, can take place during or after the screwing ofthe locking screw arrangement 14 into the driver 16. This is possiblesince the sprockets R12, R11 received on the shaft portion are formed ina radially self-supporting manner, i.e, are not supported radially onthe shaft portion, and can rotate relative to the locking screwarrangement 14. The two smallest sprockets R12, R11 can be radiallyfixed by a latching mechanism, for example a latching structure havingteeth and notches is provided between the second smallest and the thirdsmallest sprocket. Alternatively, a different joining method for theconnection than latching can be selected. The above embodiment isoptimized with respect to the production costs of the multi-sprocketarrangement.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12a-b , the two smallestsprockets R12, R11 received on the shaft portion are connected to thethird smallest sprocket R10. That is to say, the angular positions ofthe three smallest sprockets relative to one another are alreadydetermined before the locking screw arrangement 14 is screwed into thedriver 16. During the screwing of the locking screw arrangement 14 intothe driver 16, the angular position of the three smallest sprockets canbe adapted in such a manner that the third smallest sprocket R10 canengage in the driver profile 26 of the driver 16, as a result of whichthe desired angular position of the three smallest sprockets withrespect to further sprockets of the multi-sprocket arrangement 12 isdetermined. The above embodiment provides simple installation of thesprockets of the multi-sprocket arrangement that are to be attached viathe locking screw arrangement.

An embodiment in which the locking screw arrangement 14 is formed in twoparts and comprises a first and a second component 74, 76 is describedbelow. The two components 74, 76 are separable from each other. The twocomponents 74, 76 illustrated in FIGS. 13a-d and 14a-d are connected toeach other by intermeshing connecting threads 78, 79 which are arrangedin the region of the shaft portion 36. The external thread 40 assignedto the shaft portion is arranged on the first component 74 and theaxially outer stop portion 38 is arranged on the second component 76.The two components 74, 76 have a respective tool interface 80, 82, thetool interfaces permitting engagement of the same tool 83. The toolinterfaces 80, 82 are arranged radially on the inside on an innercircumferential surface of the first and second component, respectively.FIG. 15 shows the two-part locking screw arrangement 14 with its twocomponents 74, 76 on a common axis.

In order to install the multi-sprocket assembly 10 with the two-partlocking screw arrangement 14, the tool 83 engages either in one of thetwo components 74, 76, see FIG. 6a-b , or in both components 74, 76, seeFIG. 17. The first component 74 can first be screwed into the driver 16and then the second component 76 can be screwed into the first component74. In this arrangement, the first component 74 acts as adiameter-imparting ring element. Alternatively, the two components 74,76 can first be connected to each other before they are screwed into thedriver 16. In both cases, before the two components 74, 76 are screwedtogether, the at least one smallest sprocket R12, R11 to be received isreceived in the region of the shaft portion 36 of one of the twocomponents 74, 76. During the installation, the two components 74, 76can first be screwed together up to the stop. Subsequently, one of thecomponents 74, 76 can be rotated back until the tool interfaces 80, 82of the two components 74, 76 are aligned with each other. Withsufficient points of engagement of the tool and with a fine thread 78,79, the rotating back should cause a small axial offset; with twelvepoints of engagement, the angle is, for example, approximately 29°.

The multi-sprocket assembly 10 is coupled or can be coupled to a driver16. The driver 16, which is also referred to as a “standard driver” inspecialists circles due to its widespread use, is illustrated in FIGS.18a-c as a separate component with selected characteristic dimensionsbeing indicated. On its radially outer circumferential surface, it hasthe driver profile 26 which extends radially outwards from a driverbasic surface. The driver profile 26 comprises driver protrusions orwhat are referred to as splines 84. At least one of the splines 84differs in its dimensions from the other splines of the driver profile26. As a rule, sprockets to be fastened to the driver 16 have an innercontour formed in a complementary manner to the driver profile 26 of thedriver 16. Sprockets with a corresponding inner contour and the driver16 can thereby come into engagement in a torque-transmitting manner. Forexample, the number of splines is greater than or equal to 8, preferablygreater than or equal to 9. The number of splines can also be less thanor equal to 22.

The driver 16 has the driver profile 26 on a first region of its radialouter surface, which region extends along a first axial length LA1axially outwards A_(a) from a driver stop 86. A driver stop 86 generallyrefers to a portion of the driver 16, against which the multi-sprocketarrangement 12 which is fastened thereto strikes and by means of whichthe position of the multi-sprocket arrangement 12 can be determined inrelation to the driver 16. This first axial length LA1 of the driver 16is preferably greater than 32.9 mm, preferably 33.2 +/−0.4 mm. An outerdiameter dA1 in this first region as measured at radial outer surfacesof the driver profile 26, is, for example, greater than 34.2 mm,preferably 34.5 +/−0.15 mm.

As is apparent in FIGS. 18a-c , the first region with the driver profile26 is adjoined by a relatively short second region in which the radialouter surface of the driver 16 is free from the driver profile and istherefore smooth. A second axial length LA2 of the driver 16 extendsfrom the driver stop 86 as far as an axially outer end side 88 of thedriver 16 and is between 33.9 mm and 35.9 mm, but preferably 34.9 +/−0.3mm. An outer diameter dA2 of the second region can be larger than 31.4mm and is preferably 32.1 +0.4/−0.2 mm.

Furthermore, the driver 16 has the radially inwardly pointing internalthread 34 adjacent to its axially outer end side 88. The internal thread34 preferably has a nominal diameter dA3 of greater than 29.8 mm andpreferably of approximately 30.6 mm. A preferred pitch of the internalthread of the driver is 24 TP1, and therefore the thread can also becharacterized according to known dimensioning as M 30.6×24 TPI.

The resulting characteristic dimensions in the mounted state of the rearwheel assembly 3 between the two opposite frame portions 1, 2 when themulti-sprocket assembly 10 is used with the driver 16 will be explainedwith respect to FIG. 3. In this mounted state, a first distance D1 inthe axial direction from the driver stop 86 to the outer side surface 46of the smallest sprocket R12 is greater than 38 mm, for example greaterthan 39.1 mm and even better 39.9 +/−0.2 mm. A second distance D2 in theaxial direction from the axially outer end side 88 of the driver 16 tothe outer side surface 46 of the smallest sprocket R12 is greater than4.0 mm and is preferably 5.0 +/−0.2 mm. A third distance D3 in the axialdirection from the outer side surface 46 of the smallest sprocket R12 toa circumferential surface 90 of the frame portion 1 or of the reardropout 8 is smaller than 8.2 mm and is preferably 7.2 +/−0.2 mm. Insome cases, the frame portion 1 or its dropout 8 has a recessed surface92 which serves for receiving the derailleur hanger 22. A fourthdistance D4 in the axial direction from the outer side surface 46 of thesmallest sprocket R12 to the recessed surface 92 can be smaller than12.2 mm and is preferably 11.2 +/−0.2 mm.

The following embodiments shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 relate to a segmentedlocking screw arrangement. The segments are located at one or both axialends 138, 240 of the outer circumferential surface of the locking screwarrangement. The segments of the locking screw arrangement compriseportions with alternating larger and smaller outer diameters and arecoordinated with a likewise segmented inner circumferential surface ofthe smallest sprocket. The segments on the inner circumferential surfaceon the smallest sprocket likewise comprise portions with an alternatingsmaller and larger inner diameter. The segmented locking screwarrangement and the segmented sprocket can be mechanically connected andalso separated again by plugging one into the other and rotatingrelative to each other—the principle of a bayonet locking.

FIGS. 19a and b show views of the first embodiment of the segmentedlocking screw arrangement 114. In this embodiment, the locking screwarrangement 114 has a shaft portion 36, a segmented stop portion 138 andan external thread 140. The segments on the stop portion 138 compriseportions with a larger outer diameter dl and a smaller outer diameterd3. The outer diameter d1 of the portions with a larger outer diameteris larger than the outer diameter d3 of the shaft portion 36. The outerdiameter d3 of the portions with the smaller outer diameter correspondsto the outer diameter d3 of the shaft portion 36. The thread 140 has anouter diameter d2 which is larger than the outer diameter d3 of theshaft portion 36.

The smallest sprocket R112 has a segmented inner circumferential surfacewith recesses 148. The segments 138 of the locking screw arrangement 114are coordinated with the segments 148 of the smallest sprocket R112. Thesmallest sprocket R112 has an inner diameter d5 and three recesses 148distributed along the inner circumference. An imaginary diameter alongthe recesses 148 is larger than the inner diameter d5 of the smallestsprocket R112 and also larger than the outer diameter dl of the segments138 of the locking screw arrangement 114. The two smallest sprockets areoriented with respect to the locking screw arrangement 114 in such amanner that the segments 138 of the locking screw arrangement 114 canpass the recesses 148 on the inner circumference of the smallestsprocket R112. When the sprockets R111 and R112 are plugged onto thelocking screw arrangement 114 and positioned in the shaft portion 36,the sprockets are rotated relative to the screw arrangement 11.4, suchthat the segments 138 of larger diameter of the locking screw 114 engagebehind the smallest sprocket R112 and are secured axially—cf. in thisrespect in particular FIG. 19b . The inner diameter d5 of the smallestsprockets R11, R112 received on the locking screw arrangement 114 islarger than the outer diameter d3 of the shaft portion 36, and thereforethe locking screw arrangement 114 can rotate relative to the sprockets.The sprockets are formed in a self-supporting manner.

In addition, a securing element 168 can secure the sprockets R11 andR112 on the locking screw arrangement 114 in the axial direction. In themounted state, the securing element 168 is arranged in the axialdirection between the smallest sprocket R112 and the segmented stopportion 138. The securing element 168 can be designed as a snap ring.The smallest sprocket R112 can have a groove 141 for receiving the snapring 168. The smallest sprockets R11 and R112 are fixed in the axialdirection between the thread 140 of larger diameter and the segments 138of larger diameter together with the snap ring 168.

FIG. 20 shows an alternative embodiment of the segmented locking screwarrangement 214, in which the outer circumferential surface of thelocking screw arrangement 214 has a segmented threaded portion 240. Thelocking screw arrangement 214 comprises a stop portion 38, a shaftportion 36 and a segmented thread 240. The functional principle followsthe previous embodiment. In this case, the external thread 240 is formedin a segmented manner and in an alternating manner comprises threethreaded portions of larger diameter and three portions of smallerdiameter without a thread. The threaded portions 240 have an outerdiameter d2 which is of a larger size than the outer diameter d3 of theshaft portion 36. The stop portion 38 also has an outer diameter d1which is of a larger size than the shaft portion 36—also compare in thisrespect the embodiments for FIG. 5.

The smallest sprocket R212 has a segmented inner circumferential surfacewith recesses 248. The segments 240 of the locking screw 214 arecoordinated with the segments 248 of the smallest sprocket R212. Thesmallest sprocket R212 has an inner diameter d5 and three recesses 248distributed along the inner circumference. An imaginary inner diameteralong the recesses 248 is larger than the inner diameter d5 of thesmallest sprocket R212 and is also larger than the outer diameter d1 ofthe stop portion 38 of the locking screw arrangement 214. The twosmallest sprockets R211, R212 are oriented with respect to the lockingscrew arrangement 214 in such a manner that the segments 240 of thelocking screw arrangement 214 can pass the recesses 248 on the innercircumference of the smallest sprocket R112. When the sprockets R211 andR212 are plugged onto the locking screw arrangement 214 and positionedin the shaft portion 36, the sprockets are rotated relative to the screw214 such that the threaded segments 240 of larger diameter of thelocking screw 214 engage behind the smallest sprocket R212 and aresecured axially—cf. in this respect in particular FIG. 19 b.

It is advantageous in this embodiment that neither an additionalcomponent (such as the snap ring) or joining technology is required. Assoon as the smallest sprockets are mounted on the locking screwarrangement 214, they can no longer be pulled off axially outwardsbecause of the axial stop portion 38. When, in a next step, the lockingscrew arrangement 214 with the sprockets R211, R212 is screwed over thethreaded segments 240 with the internal thread 34 of the driver, thesprockets are also secured axially inwards.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21a, 21b , the locking screwarrangement is first of all produced integrally and, in a furtherprocessing step, the outer diameter at one or both axial ends isenlarged by deformation. This permits cost-effective production withoutadditional components or joining methods. The outer diameter of theaxial stop portion and/or of the threaded portion can be enlarged bydeformation, for example by crimping.

FIG. 21a shows a sectional view of the locking screw arrangement 314produced integrally with the thread 40, the shaft portion 36 and theadjoining axial end which is not yet deformed. The axial end and theshaft portion 36 have the same outer diameter d3. FIG. 21b shows thedeformed stop portion 338 with the enlarged outer diameter d1. By meansof the deformation, the outer diameter d1 of the axially outer stopportion 338 is enlarged relative to the outer diameter d3 of the shaftportion 36. Alternatively, the threaded portion 40 of larger diametercould also be produced by deformation. Further machining steps, such as(re)threading, can follow.

Although the above exemplary embodiments relate to a multi-sprocketarrangement with twelve sprockets, the embodiments can equally beapplied to a multi-sprocket arrangement with different numbers ofsprockets, such as eleven or thirteen sprockets.

For better understanding, various aspects of the invention are mentionedbelow:

Aspect 1: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 for a rear wheel assembly 3 for abicycle with a derailleur system, comprising a multi-sprocketarrangement 12 and a locking screw arrangement 14, wherein themulti-sprocket arrangement 12 is designed for torque-transmittingcoupling to a driver 16 of the rear wheel assembly 3 and comprises atleast eleven sprockets with differing numbers of teeth. Themulti-sprocket assembly 10 is designed in such a manner that, in themounted state, at least two of the smallest sprockets R11, R12 areaxially fixed to the driver 16 via the locking screw arrangement 14. Thelocking screw arrangement 14 has a shank portion 36 for receiving atleast one of the at least two smallest sprockets R11, R12. The shankportion 36 at its one end region is provided with an axially outer stopportion 38, and the shank portion 36 at its opposite end region isassigned at least one external thread 40 with which the locking screwarrangement 14 is screwable into an associated internal thread 34 forfixing the locking screw arrangement 14. The external thread 40 assignedto the shank portion has an outer diameter d2 which is larger than anouter diameter d3 of the shank portion 36 in that region in which the atleast one of the at least two smallest sprockets R11, R12 is received.

Aspect 2: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to Aspect 1, wherein atleast one sprocket R12 together with a connecting portion 60 assigned tosaid sprocket R12 is received on the shank portion 36. Preferably, twosprockets R11, R12 with a connecting portion 60 lying in between arereceived on the shank portion.

Aspect 3: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to either of thepreceding aspects, wherein the at least one of the at least two smallestsprockets R11, R12 which is received on the shank portion 36 is formedin a self-supporting manner.

Aspect 4: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to one of the precedingaspects, wherein the external thread 40 assigned to the shank portion isformed integrally on the shank portion 36 or is produced integrallytherewith, or/and the axially outer stop portion 38 is formed integrallyon the shank portion 36 or is produced integrally therewith.

Aspect 5: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to one of the precedingaspects, wherein the locking screw arrangement 14 has at least one joint52, 54, 56, and the at least one joint 52, 54, 56 runs in particularorthogonally or parallel to an axis of rotation 32 of the multi-sprocketarrangement 12.

Aspect 6: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to one of Aspects 1 to 3,wherein the axially outer stop portion. 38 is releasable from the shankportion 36 and is designed in the form of a securing element 68 which isconnectable to the shank portion 36. Preferably, the securing element 68engages in a groove 70 of the shank portion 36.

Aspect 7: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to one of the precedingaspects, wherein the axially outer stop portion 38 is formed by aplurality of snap hooks 66 which are arranged distributed over the outercircumference of the locking screw arrangement 14. The shank portion 36or/and the snap hooks 66 has/have such an elasticity that a sprocket R12or an arrangement of a plurality of sprockets R11, R12 is formed with aninner diameter d5 which is smaller than the outer diameter of the snaphooks 66 and which is pushable over the snap hooks 66 such that thesprocket or arrangement of a plurality of sprockets is received in theregion of the shank portion 36.

Aspect 8: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to one of the precedingaspects, wherein the locking screw arrangement 14 comprises a first anda second component 74, 76 which are releasable from each other, theexternal thread 40 assigned to the shank portion is incorporated by thefirst component 74, and the axially outer stop portion 38 isincorporated by the second component 76.

Aspect 9: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to Aspect 8, wherein thefirst and the second components 74, 76 are screwable to each other.

Aspect 10: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to Aspect 8 or 9,wherein the first component 74 has a first tool interface 80 and thesecond component 76 has a second tool interface 82. The two toolinterfaces 80, 82 are configured for the engagement of an identical tool83 or of two different tools 83.

Aspect 11: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to Aspect 10, whereinthe first component 74 furthermore has a first connecting thread 78which is configured for engaging in a complementary second connectingthread 79 of the second component 76, wherein the connecting threads 78,79 are arranged between the shank portion 36 and the external thread 40assigned thereto, or are arranged in the region of the shank portion 36or are arranged between the shank portion 36 and the stop portion 38.

Aspect 12: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to Aspect 11, whereinthe connecting thread 78 of the first component 74 is an external threadand the complementary connecting thread 79 of the second component 76 isan internal thread, or wherein the connecting thread 78 of the firstcomponent 74 is an internal thread and the complementary connectingthread 79 of the second component 76 is an external thread.

Aspect 13: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to one of the precedingaspects, wherein the at least one sprocket R12 received on the shankportion 36 is rotatable relative to the locking screw arrangement 14.

Aspect 14: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to one of the precedingaspects, wherein the outer diameter d2 of the external thread 40assigned to the shank portion is larger than an inner diameter d4 of thesmallest sprocket of the multi-sprocket arrangement 12.

Aspect 15: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to one of the precedingaspects, wherein the smallest sprocket R12 of the multi-sprocketarrangement 12 has, on its outer side surface 46, a radially and axiallyextending recess 41 which is designed in such a manner that the axiallyouter stop portion 38 can engage therein.

Aspect 16: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to Aspect 15, wherein,when the axially outer stop portion 38 engages in the radial and axialcutout 41 of the smallest sprocket of the multi-sprocket arrangement 12,the outer side surface 46 of the smallest sprocket R12 lies furtheraxially on the outside than an end side of the axially outer stopportion 38, or the outer side surface 46 of the smallest sprocket R12 isaligned with the end side of the axially outer stop portion 38, or theaxially outer stop portion 38 protrudes by less than a maximum of 0.5mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm, axially outwards from the outer sidesurface 46 of the smallest sprocket R12.

Aspect 17: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to one of the precedingaspects, wherein the locking screw arrangement 14 is formed integrallyand is provided as a component which is 3D printed with the at least onesprocket R12 received on the shank portion 36,

Aspect 18: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to one of the precedingaspects, wherein: the driver 16 has on a first driver region of itsradial outer surface a driver profile 26 which is arranged along a firstaxial driver length LA1 axially outwards A_(a) from the driver stop 86.Furthermore, the first axial driver length LA1 is smaller than a secondaxial driver length LA2 which extends from the driver stop 86 as far asthe axially outer end side 88 of the driver. Furthermore, the driver 16,on a second driver region of its radial outer surface, which region isadjacent to the axially outer end side 88 of the driver, is free fromdriver profiles. Furthermore, the driver 16 has an opening which extendsradially outwards R_(a) from a driver centre axis and axially inwardsA_(i) from the axially outer end side 88 of the driver, and wherein theopening has the internal thread 34 on its radial inner surface.

Aspect 19: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to Aspect 18, whereinthe first axial driver length LA1 of the driver 16 from the driver stop86 as far as the end of the driver profiles 26 is greater than 32.9 mm,is preferably 33.2 +/−0.4 mm, or/and the second axial driver length LA2of the driver 16 from the driver stop 86 as far as the axially outer endside 88 of the driver is greater than 34.2 mm, is preferably 34.9 +/−0.3mm, or/and a first driver outer diameter dA1 of the driver 16 in thefirst driver region along the first axial driver length LA1 of thedriver is greater than 34.2 mm, is preferably 34.5 +/−0.2 mm, or/and asecond driver outer diameter dA2 of the driver 16 in the second driverregion which is adjacent to the axially outer end side 88 of the driveris larger than 31.4 mm, is preferably 32.1 +0.4/−0.2 mm, or/and a firstdriver inner diameter dA3 of the driver 16 axially adjacent to itsaxially outer end side 88 is larger than 29.8 mm, is preferably 30.6+/−0.2 mm.

Aspect 20: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to either of Aspects 18and 19, wherein the multi-sprocket assembly 10 is designed in such amanner that, in the mounted state, the following applies: a firstdistance D1 in the axial direction from the driver stop 86 as far as theouter side surface 46 of the sprocket R12 with the smallest number ofteeth is greater than 38.0 mm, is preferably greater than 39.1 mm, iseven more preferably 39.9 +/−0.2 mm, or/and a second distance D2 in theaxial direction from the axially outer end side 88 of the driver 16 toan outer side surface 46 of the smallest sprocket R12 is greater than4.0 mm, is preferably 5.0 +/−0.2 mm.

Aspect 21: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to Aspects 19 and 20,wherein a first space utilization factor which arises from the ratio ofthe second driver length LA2 and the second distance D2 lies in a rangeof between 5 and 10.

Aspect 22: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to Aspect 21 oraccording to Aspects 19 and 20, wherein a second space utilizationfactor which arises from the ratio of the first driver length LA1 andthe second distance D2 lies in a range of between 5 and 10.

Aspect 23: Multi-sprocket assembly 10 according to one of Aspects 18 to22, wherein the carrier profile 26, on its outer circumferentialsurface, comprises splines protruding radially therefrom, wherein thenumber of splines is greater than or equal to eight, preferably greaterthan or equal to nine.

Aspect 24: Rear wheel assembly 3 for a bicycle with a derailleur system,comprising: a rear wheel hub 11 which can be arranged between twoopposite frame portions 1, 2 of a bicycle frame, a driver 16 which iscoupled rotatably to the rear wheel hub 11, and a multi-sprocketassembly 10 according to one of the preceding aspects. Themulti-sprocket arrangement 12 of the multi-sprocket assembly 10 isnon-rotatably coupled or couplable to the driver 16.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-sprocket assembly for a rear wheelassembly for a bicycle with a derailleur system, comprising: amulti-sprocket arrangement; and a locking screw arrangement, wherein themulti-sprocket arrangement is configured to be couplable with a driverof the rear wheel assembly in a torque-transmitting manner, andcomprises at least eleven sprockets with differing numbers of teeth,wherein the multi-sprocket assembly is configured such that, in themounted state, at least two of the smallest sprockets are axially fixedto the driver via the locking screw arrangement, wherein the lockingscrew arrangement has a shaft portion for receiving at least onesprocket of the at least two smallest sprockets, wherein the shaftportion has an axially outer stop portion at one end region and at leastone external thread at an opposite end region, the at least one externalthread configured to be screwed into an associated internal thread tofix the locking screw arrangement, wherein the external thread of theshaft portion has an outer diameter which is larger than an outerdiameter of a region of the shaft portion that receives the at least onesprocket of the at least two smallest sprockets.
 2. The multi-sprocketassembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sprockettogether with a connecting portion of the sprocket is received on theshaft portion.
 3. The multi-sprocket assembly according to claim 1,wherein the at least two of the smallest sprockets with a connectingportion lying in between the two smallest sprockets are received on theshaft portion.
 4. The multi-sprocket assembly according to claim 1,wherein the at least one sprocket of the at least two smallest sprocketswhich is received on the shaft portion is formed in a self-supportingmanner.
 5. The multi-sprocket assembly according to claim 1, wherein theexternal thread of the shaft portion is formed integrally on the shaftportion or is produced integrally therewith, or/and the axially outerstop portion is formed integrally on the shaft portion or is producedintegrally therewith.
 6. The multi-sprocket assembly according to claim1, wherein the locking screw arrangement has at least one joint, and theat least one joint runs orthogonally or parallel to an axis of rotationof the multi-sprocket arrangement.
 7. The multi-sprocket assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the axially outer stop portion isreleasable from the shaft portion and is designed in the form of asecuring element which is connectable to the shaft portion and engagesin a groove of the shaft portion.
 8. The multi-sprocket assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the axially outer stop portion is formedby a plurality of snap hooks which are distributed over the outercircumference of the locking screw arrangement.
 9. The multi-sprocketassembly according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the shaft portionand the snap hooks have such an elasticity that a sprocket or anarrangement of a plurality of sprockets is formed with an inner diameterwhich is smaller than the outer diameter of the snap hooks and which ispushable over the snap hooks such that the sprocket or the arrangementof a plurality of sprockets is received in the region of the shaftportion.
 10. The multi-sprocket assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe locking screw arrangement comprises a first component and a secondcomponent which are releasable from one another, the external threadassigned to the shaft portion is incorporated by the first component,and the axially outer stop portion is incorporated by the secondcomponent
 11. The multi-sprocket assembly according to claim 10, whereinthe first and second components are screwable to each other.
 12. Themulti-sprocket assembly according to claim 10, wherein the firstcomponent has a first tool interface, and the second component has asecond tool interface, wherein the first and second tool interfaces areconfigured for the engagement of an identical tool or two differenttools.
 13. The multi-sprocket assembly according to claim 10, whereinthe first component has a first connecting thread configured to engagein a complementary second connecting thread of the second component, thefirst and second connecting threads are arranged between the shaftportion and the external thread, wherein the first connecting thread isone of an external thread and an internal thread and the complementarysecond connecting thread is the other of the external tread and theinternal thread.
 14. The multi-sprocket assembly according to claim 10,wherein the first component has a first connecting thread configured toengage in a complementary second connecting thread of the secondcomponent, the first and second connecting threads are arranged in theregion of the shaft portion, wherein the first connecting thread is oneof an external thread and an internal thread and the complementaryconnecting thread is the other of the external tread and the internalthread.
 15. The multi-sprocket sprocket assembly according to claim 10,wherein the first component has a first connecting thread configured toengage in a complementary second connecting thread of the secondcomponent, the first and second connecting threads arranged between theshaft portion and the stop portion, wherein the first connecting threadis one of an external thread and an internal thread and thecomplementary connecting thread is the other of the external tread andthe internal thread.
 16. The multi-sprocket assembly according to claim1, wherein the at least one sprocket received on the shaft portion isrotatable relative to the locking screw arrangement.
 17. Themulti-sprocket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer diameterof the external thread of the shaft portion is larger than an innerdiameter of the smallest sprocket of the multi-sprocket arrangement. 18.The multi-sprocket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the smallestsprocket of the multi-sprocket arrangement has, on its outer sidesurface, a radially and axially extending recess which is designed insuch a manner that the axially outer stop portion can engage therein.19. A rear wheel assembly for a bicycle with a derailleur system,comprising: a rear wheel hub which can be arranged between two oppositeframe portions of a bicycle frame, a driver rotatably coupled to therear wheel hub; and a multi-sprocket assembly comprising: amulti-sprocket arrangement, and a locking screw arrangement, wherein themulti-sprocket arrangement is configured to be torque-transmittingcoupled to a driver of the rear wheel assembly, and comprises at leasteleven sprockets with differing numbers of teeth, wherein themulti-sprocket assembly is configured such that, in the mounted state,at least two of the smallest sprockets are axially fixed to the drivervia the locking screw arrangement, wherein the locking screw arrangementhas a shaft portion for receiving at least one sprocket of the at leasttwo smallest sprockets, wherein the shaft portion has an axially outerstop portion at one end region and at least one external thread at anopposite end region, the at least one external thread configured to bescrewed into an associated internal thread to fix the locking screwarrangement, wherein the external thread of the shaft portion has anouter diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of a region of theshaft portion that receives the at least one of the at least twosmallest sprockets, wherein the multi-sprocket arrangement of themulti-sprocket assembly is non-rotatably coupled to the driver.